ILA SACHANI
By Anshika Singh 6B
Roll.no-6
Life of Ila Sachani
Ila Sachani, from Moti Vavdi village in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, is known
for her vibrant embroidery creations. Despite being born with hands
that couldn’t be used conventionally, Ila’s mother and grandmother,
skilled in Kathiawar embroidery, taught her to embroider using her
feet. With determination, Ila mastered threading needles and learned
various embroidery styles beyond Gujarat. Initially creating designs
for family and friends, Ila’s talent soon gained local admiration and
government recognition. Her work was showcased at state exhibitions,
leading to national acclaim and awards, including the President’s
Medal. Through her art, Ila not only found financial independence but
also inspired others to overcome challenges with perseverance and
positivity. Her embroidery, crafted with her feet, exemplifies how art
transcends physical limitations to touch hearts and souls.
When you enter a tiny room in Moti Vavdi village, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, you will see lots of
bright colours. There are many lovely things like cushions, bedcovers, pillows, and more,
with beautiful designs. Ila Sachani, a wonderful lady with a big smile, makes all these using
a shiny needle to create these designs. She is very good at Kathiawar embroidery—a style
that needs a lot of skill.
Ila Sachani’s journey began in the quiet setting of Amreli, Gujarat, where she was born into
a farmer’s family. From the beginning, life resented its challenges, as Ila was born with her
hands hanging loose by her sides. Unlike other children, she could not use her hands in the
usual way. While other small hands drew figures in the sand or plucked wildflowers, she
wondered why she could not join them. She too wanted to hold a chalk in her hands and
draw figures on a slate.
•Ila’s mother and grandmother encouraged the little girl and
were single-minded to help her overcome her challenge. They
were skilled in the traditional art of Kathiawar embroidery and
decided to share this art with Ila. They taught her to create
many beautiful patterns using her feet! It was certainly not an
easy task, but Ila accepted the challenge with determination.
Her parents also helped her learn to do things with her legs, like
eating and combing her hair.